Meeting international students from places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East enriched my experience as a master’s student. We could share our different experiences and opinions, and that diversity was really valuable.
International Migration and Ethnic Relations, Master's Programme (Two-Year)
Summary
This programme develops your skills in critically examining and evaluating research in relation to international migration.Potential working fields include international organizations, academia, national and local government, NGOs or the media. Students are also eligible for PhD studies.
Admission requirements
1. Degree of Bachelor in Social Sciences or Humanities
2. General eligibility + the equivalent of English course B from Swedish secondary school.
Selection:
credits 100%
About
What is International Migration and Ethnic Relations about?
The master’s programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) focuses on: current international developments and research perspectives in migration and ethnic relations; the effects of globalisation and human mobility on societies, groups and individuals; the social and political adaptation and integration of ethnic minorities in different societies; issues of inclusion and exclusion of immigrants; majority-minority relations; and philosophical and ethical perspectives on life in diverse and complex societies.
Choose between the one-year and two-year programme
Malmö University offers a one-year and a two-year programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations. The one-year programme provides advanced level specialisation in the field of International Migration and Ethnic Relations. The two-year programme prepares students for future research opportunities and enables further specialisation within one of two themes: migration and integration or migration and social theory.
What makes International Migration and Ethnic Relations unique?
The master's programme teaches you how to conduct in-depth analysis, evaluate policies and criticise and critique migration-related policies.You should expect research-based training and an interdisciplinary outlook that links social sciences with humanities.
Study methods include lectures and discussions, group projects, study visits, thesis work and self-study of literature.
Career opportunities
Understanding the complexities of international migration and ethnic relations is essential to ensure reflective decision-making in a variety of fields, for example, international organisations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, and media. Students who have completed the programme are also eligible to apply for PhD studies.
Interviews
The former refugee working with asylum seekers
After a family history of forced migration, Haneen Abdel Khaleq knew that she wanted to help others in similar situations. Having studied International Migration and Ethnic Relations at Malmö University, she now works with refugees as a Protection Officer in Lebanon.
From Kuwait to Malmö
Haneen and her family were living in Kuwait when the Gulf War erupted in 1990, forcing them to flee along with an exodus of other Palestinians. By the time she was ten, she had already moved from Syria to Jordan to Qatar, before finally settling in Australia.
As an adult, Haneen began working with Palestinian refugees in Jordan and knew that she’d found her calling. Then, at the height of the ‘refugee crisis’ in Europe, she was offered a scholarship to study International Migration and Ethnic Relations at Malmö University.
Diversity in and outside of the classroom
“Being in Malmö, where a lot of refugees were arriving from places like Syria, I was able to see the effects of war on displacement and migration first hand, and could then go to class where we discussed this in an academic way.
“Meeting other international students from places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East enriched my experience as a master’s student. We could share our different experiences and opinions on the kind of things that were going on. That diversity was really valuable.”
Reflecting on her outlook, she says learning about things like the economy, migration flows, and integration has allowed her to think more practically about ongoing injustices and how she can make a change.
“In the future, I would like to work to change migration policies. It might be a bit cliché, but the most important thing to me is to make some sort of difference, even if it’s in a small way.”
Identity and personal growth
As well as an important part of Haneen’s journey towards supporting others, the master’s programme has also helped her to come to terms with certain parts of her own life and identity.
“My studies helped me to understand that my identity doesn’t have to be so rigid,” she explains.
“Who I am doesn’t have to be based on being either Australian or Palestinian. I’ve lived in so many countries up until now and the more I learn and experience, the freer I feel to live and identify the way that I want.”
Syllabus
Syllabus for students admitted autumn 2019
- Programme Code:
- SAIMA revision 13
- Language:
- English
- Date of establishment:
- 06 March 2007
- Date of ratification:
- 15 November 2012
- Decision-making body:
- Faculty of Culture and Society
- Enforcement date:
- 01 September 2013
- Replaces Syllabus ratified:
- 15 November 2012
Entry requirements
1. Degree of Bachelor in Social Sciences or Humanities
2. General eligibility + the equivalent of English course B from Swedish secondary school.
Organisation
Semester 1:
International Migration, Inclusion and Exclusion, 15 credits
The course gives an introduction to advanced IMER studies and current themes in IMER research.
Identity and Ethnicity in a Global Community, 15 credits
During the course, we will discuss and problematize the work of classical theorists relevant to the multidisciplinary field of IMER research.
Semester 2:
Theory of Science and Research Methodology, 15 credits
During the course, we will discuss the theory of science and research methods relevant to the multidisciplinary field of advanced IMER studies.
Migration and Citizenship, 15 credits.
Semester 3:
Elective courses, 30 credits
During this semester, the student chooses advanced level courses (covering a total of 30 credits) offered by IMER, or does a period of exchange studies. Such exchange studies must be approved by the programme coordinator.
Semester 4:
IMER Master Thesis, 30 credits
The two-year master’s programme is concluded with a 30-credit thesis, covering one full semester.
Content
Courses
For programme with start Autumn 2019:Autumn 2019 - Semester 1
-
International Migration, Inclusion, and Exclusion, 15 credits (IM634L) compulsory
Main field: International Migration and Ethnic Relations -
Identity and Ethnicity in a Global Community, 15 credits (IM635L) compulsory
Main field: International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Spring 2020 - Semester 2
-
Theory of Science and Research Methodology, 15 credits (IM626L) compulsory
Main field: International Migration and Ethnic Relations -
Migration and Citizenship, 15 credits (IM633L) compulsory
Main field: International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Autumn 2020 - Semester 3
- Problems and Questions in Contemporary IMER Research, 30 credits (IM631L) elective
Spring 2021 - Semester 4
-
International Migration and Ethnic Relations, Master Thesis, 30 credits (IM622L) compulsory
Main field: International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Learning outcomes
On completion of the program the student shall:
• display deepened knowledge of a wide range of issues within the field of IMER and specialized and broadened knowledge and understanding of the causes and consequences of international migration as well as of dynamics in ethnic relations;
• display in-depth knowledge of theories and methods in the humanities and social sciences, with particular emphasis on issues related to IMER research;
• show an ability to independently develop well-framed arguments, within agreed timeframes, on the basis of diverse scientific perspectives, to identify issues and their complexity, in line with strict scientific research procedures;
• show an ability to independently and as part of a group, present this analysis and other findings in a logical and coherent manner, orally and in writing;
• show an ability to evaluate and elaborate questions within the field of international migration and ethnic relations from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Degree
Master's Degree (120 credits).
Contact
The education is provided by the Faculty of Culture and Society at the department Department of Global Political Studies.